Atonement in Church History

Atonement in Church History

Introduction

The word 'atonement' was first introduced by William Tyndale to translate the Latin word 'reconciliatio' in 1526. Atonement is 'at-onement.' Basically, the idea behind the term is that it explains the double movement of Christ's death and resurrection: the remission of human sin through forgiveness and the reconciliation of human beings with God.

Jesus lived a perfect sinless life; he died as an acceptable sacrifice for sinners, 'the righteous for the unrighteous'. The concept emphasizes that Christ was God's true High Priest and that his self-offering in death was the once for all sacrifice for sin. This means that Christ's work is for world-wide and eternal significance. He brought to an end the need for any other atoning sacrifice, and made the benefits of his death available to all human beings. He brings human beings into a new covenant relationship with God, both removing the effects of sin and providing them with a completely secure relationship with God.

Atonement day is an annual ceremony in which the two sacrifices indicate the removal of Israel`s sins completely. The high priest took the blood of a sacrificial animal to the most Holy Place, and a second sacrificial animal - scapegoat was led away into the wildness, never to return.

There are number of various theories relating to the work of Christ under the heading of atonement. This paper will explain these theories and point out the ones that have become the most dominant. The theories on atonement clarify the aspects of Jesus life which were central to human salvation. Theories also tell that how the Jesus remitted human sin and accommodated human beings with God.

Discussion

The various theories regarding atonement are discussed below:

The Ransom-to-Satan Theory

This theory explains the defeat of Satan by the Christ. The theory discusses that human beings sold themselves to Satan into slavery in sinning against the God, but God wanted them to be free; therefore, God tricked Satan and on the cross brought about the death of Christ. Despite of damaging Christ, Satan`s action made it possible to pay the required price to free human beings from enslavement. The death of Christ was the victory of God over Satan. The victory had gained two major objectives: (1) broke down the Evil hold of Satan on human-beings and (2) made human beings possible to accommodate with God

The theory has some issues and problems i.e. it states that Satan & God are equal, each fought against the other over human being. The theory misinterprets the relationship between God and Satan. The major problem of the theory is that it shows God as a deceiver and trickster.

The Commercial Theory (Satisfaction Theory)

According to this theory, Christ did full obedience in order to perform His duties to God, thus honoring God. At the same time, He also died and suffered for God`s honor. Such act was rewarded in the form of forgiveness of sins that passed on to sinners. The theory states that (1) God has been seriously ...